Previously, I discussed the earliest versions of the TMR Scout Award. Since then there have been several revivals of program at different times and in different forms.
The mid-1970’s (circa 1975-77) marked the first reintroduction of the TMR Scout program by the then Director of Camping, Los Loysen. Once again a scorecard was used to record a Scours progress in earning the various awards. The same four colors: blue, green, orange and red were used to mark the area of proficiency and guide stars were used to note higher levels of accomplishment in individual areas. This program was designed to give Scouts a multi-year program as only one proficiency was to be earned during any one week stay.
Rather than issue multiple patches as in earlier version of the TMR Scout program there was a single basic patch and 8 arcs. The basic patch had a black border, white twill background with a picture of a Scout with backpack and walking stick and in black WON “Ten Mile River Scout G.N.Y.C.” At least 3 varieties of the basic patch exist: no FDL. Black FDL and Red FDL. (This variation is fully embroidered)
Four of the arcs were 90-degree arcs issued in each individual color and 4 additional arcs each with a yellow guide star embroidered on the arc. The patch was to be worn with one to four arcs sown around it. When a Guide Star was earned, the basic border was removed and the border with Guide Star was sewn in its place.
Them are also two variations of each of the borders: a thin arc (approximately 13 mm wide) and a thicker arc approximately 17 mm wide) that also had a larger star. The thin arc of variety was issued first.
This program died a slow death as scorecards were not reprinted and photocopies of the scorecards were used. It lingered on until the early 1990’s when it was discontinued.
While there have been several earned awards in the early 1990’s, most were specific to a single camp or program. The 1996 Season brought a modest though short-lived rebirth to a reservation-wide program. While no longer called TMR Scout, the program allowed a Scout attending camp to earn borders by participating in various activities. This program only lasted one season.
The basic patch was round (75 mm or 3″), with a Gold Mylar border, red background and red-ghosted FDL. All of the lettering was Gold Mylar- the patch read TMR Trail with Ten Mile River Scout Camps and Greater Now York Councils around the border. Four 90-degree arcs existed of varying color combinations. Two are certain, Canoeing and Rappelling; the remaining two are believed to be Mountain Biking and Horsemanship. If you have these patches, I would appreciate scans, pictures or actual patches to add to my collection.
The two confirmed borders are Canoeing with a yellow border and lettering on dark blue twill and Rappelling that has a black border and lettering on yellow twill.
In 1998 under Director of Camping A. Richard Greene a now reservation-wide program was begun with a basic patch and 13 possible borders. The basic round patch approximately 2.5 inches (62 mm) in diameter Yellow border, Blue Lettering, Tan twill right background with no FDL.
The 30 mm long borders included the following segments: Bronze TMR, Gold TMR, Silver TMR, 4 Camp Segments AQ (Aquehonga), KE (Keowa), KU (Kunatah), and RA (Ranachqua). Additional segments could be earned for Archery, Sailing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, and a Scoutmaster Segment.
In 1999, a yellow FDL was added to now Twill left background basic patch. A 30 mm purple border was added for the TMR museum. Nine additional borders were added to the program. These borders were larger (35 mm) and would form an outer ring to the previous years segments. Now borders included Village, Scout Skills, Canoeing and Rifle Shooting. Borders were added for each of the five boroughs as well, BK (Brooklyn) BX (Bronx), M (Manhattan), Q (Queens) and SI (Staten Island).
In 2002 (?) a fully embroidered version of the basic patch was produced and has been seen in limited quantities. The program has again fallen into disuse although many of these borders were still available at the Main Trading Post.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2006 of T.M.R. SMOKE SIGNALS
At an estate sale, I recently purchased a small 6″ leather canoe with two indians with head dresses sitting inside. On the side there is a sticker that reads Ten Mile River Scout Camp. I’m trying to determine how old it might be. Can you tell me when the camp started? Thanks for your time. I tried the museum site, but it is down.
i´m one of the colobian people that was in the trail in summer 2008 week 1 and 2……………this was funny……great…. thanks